Electrostatic generator

ABSTRACT

The combination of a tubular conductor for an electrostatic charge and a generator, said latter comprising an insulated housing having an insulated endless belt for accepting a charge at its lower end and transferring same at its upper end to a tubular electrostatic conductor; the portion of the latter immediately adjacent said belt being surrounded by a bell-shaped collector. The charge is developed by the speed of travel of the belt and the pressure within the housing.

United States Patent ['19] Thomley [4 1 May 22, 1973 i [75] Inventor:

[ ELECTROSTATIC GENERATOR John W. Thomley, Decatur, Ill.

[73] Assignee: Thomley Static Control Systems,

Inc., Decatur, lll.

[22] Filed: Sept. 7, 1971 [2] Appl. N0.: 178,037

[52] US. Cl ..3l0/6 [51] Int. Cl. ..l-l02n l/00 [58] Field of Search ..3l0/5, 6, 7; 317/3;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Hand ..3l0/5 X 4/1962 Silvennan ..3lO/6 UX 6/ 1970 Trump ..3l0/6 Primary Examiner-D. F. Duggan Attorney-Ralph W. Kalish [57] ABSTRACT The combination of a tubular conductor for an electrostatic charge and a generator, said latter comprising an insulated housing having an insulated endless belt for accepting a charge at its lower end and transferring same at its upper end to a tubular electrostatic conductor; the portion of the latter immediately adjacent said belt being surrounded by a bell-shaped collector. The charge is developed by the speed of travel of the belt and the pressure within the housing.

13 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Patented May 22, 1973 3,735,160

4 Sheets-Sheet 1.

I L; FIG! 2 JOHN w. THOMLEY ATTORNEY INVENTOR Patented May 22, 1973 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

INVENTOR JOHN W. THOMLEY ATTORNEY 4 Sheets-Sheet F5 Z5 Z4 Z6 FIG.

INVENTOR JOHN 'W. THOMLEY n/ i z ATTORNEY Patented May 22, 1973 3,735,160

4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. 6

INVENTOR JOHN w. THOMLEY BY gxw/gzx ATTbRNEY BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to electricity generation and, more particularly, to means for continuously developing a charge and transferring same to a conductor for development by the latter of a charged field remote from the generating source for anti-pollution purposes.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrostatic generator incorporating an endless insulated belt for continuously receiving a charge, and a conductor for accepting such charge from the belt through electrostatic induction.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an electrostatic generator of the type stated which incorporates means for inhibiting unauthorized loss of charge so that a highly developed degree of efficiency is achieved.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a generator of the type stated wherein a generally bell-shaped collector is disposed surroundingly of an inductor brush for concentrating the delivered charge upon the said brush.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a generator of the type stated for particular use in conjunction with an electrostatic conductor of tubular character being connected to the inductor brush and suitably adapted for effective transfer of the applied charge to a relatively remote area for developing a charged field therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination electrostatic generator and electrostatic conductor which form a composite unit of limited size so as to be mobile and easily moved from location to location to meet anti-pollution demands.

It is a further object of thepresent invention to provide an electrostatic generator of the type stated wherein the developed charge is in direct relationship to the speed of travel of the belt and the pressure condition within the housing receiving said belt.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a combination electrostatic generator and electrostatic conductor which may be most economically manufactured; which are extremely durableand reliable in usage; and which are constituted of a simplicity of parts, being resistant to breakdown; and which, in actual practice, is of marked efflcacy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an electrostatic generator constructed in accordance with and embody ing the present invention, and illustrating a preferred location of the associated conductor in an industrial establishment.

FIG. 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal transverse sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary top plan view taken on the line 66 of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now by reference numerals to the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, A generally designates an electrostatic generator having connected thereto, in a manner to be described hereinbelow, an electrostatic conductor B as of the type and character set forth and described in my copending application Ser. No. 27,327 filed Apr. 10, I970, for the primary purpose of removing pollutants from the atmosphere. Generator A comprises a generally cylindrical metallic housing 1, which is preferably mobile, having struts 2 projecting spacedly from its lower end for supporting casters 3. By virtue of the necessity for periodic access to the interior of housing 1, the latter is preferably of three-part construction, having a base section 4, central section 5, and top section 6, there being mating flanges, as at 7,8 and 9,10 for maintaining base section 4 and top section 6, respectively, in snug air tight engagement with central section 5. The interior surface of central section 5 and the adjacent surface of top section 6 is lined with insulating material, preferably polyurethane, as indicated at 13. For purposes presently appearing, central section 5 is provided with a gas inlet 11 and a fuel pressure guage 12 g on its exterior face.

Presented interiorly of base section 4 and central section 5 is a coaxially disposed tubular casing 14, being of box cross section, having parallel end walls a,a and parallel side walls b,b', said walls being constructed of insulating material, such as, preferably, polyvinyl chloride. Said casing 14 at its lower end is disposed upon a metallic base 15, such as of aluminum, which in turn is insulated from the base wall 16 of the lower section 4 by a dielectric member 17. Spacedly upwardly of base 15, casing 14 in its lower portion, is provided with a pair of transversely aligned, upwardly extending recesses 18,18 formed in end walls a,a', respectively, the upper ends of which are rounded for accepting a shaft 19 extending therebetween and projecting at its ends beyond recesses 18,18. The end of said shaft 19 projecting beyond recess 18 is received within a bearing 20 suitably mounted upon said casing 14 for extension across the upper portion of recess 18 (FIG. 5); while the opposite end of shaft 19 projects beyond the related recess 18 for extension through a registering opening (not shown) in the side wall of section 4 for projection therebeyond. Outwardly of lower section 4, shaft I9 progresses through a pipe fixture 21 for assuring of appropriate sealing of housing 1 and laterally outwardly of said fixture 21, shaft 19 is supported in a pillow block bearing 22 which is rigidly supported from an arm 23 integral with the proximate strut 2. In its outer end portion shaft 19 carries a sheave 19, as of the twogroove type, about which is trained the lower portion of endless transmission belts 24; which latter in the upper portions extend about sheaves 25 fixed on the end of a drive shaft 26 of a prime mover 27 which is mounted upon a plate 28 welded to the exterior face of center section 5 (FIG. 1). If desired, a suitable covering 27' may be disposed about prime mover 27 and the associated elements.

Fixed on shaft 19 between the opposed wall portions of casing 14, is a pulley 29 fabricated of dielectric material, such as, particularly, nylon, there being trained about said pulley 29 the lower end portion of an endless belt 30 made of suitable insulating material, such as, for instance, rubberized material. The upper end portion of belt 30 is disposed about a pulley 31 of substantially the same size and character of lower pulley 29, but being constructed of electrically conductive material, such as, aluminum; said pulley 31 is integrally provided at its ends with trunions or shaft-forming elements 32,32 journaled within bearings 33,33, respectively, formed by mating recesses, as at 34,35, 34',35, developed in the upper end of casing 14 (in walls a,a' thereof) and a relatively short four-sided tubular component 36 mounted thereon; the upper end of member 36 being substantially flush with the upper end of section 4.

Presented in immediate relationship to the lower end of belt 30, are the tines 37 of an inductor indicated generally 38, extending transversely of casing 14 with the tines 37 being relatively closely spaced, and fabricated of preferably aluminum, or other conductive material. Said tines 37 are mounted, as by arms 39, upon a conductive base 40 for mounting said tines 37 in immediate confronting portion of belt 30. Thus, tines 37 and the supporting bases 40 and are disposed upon dielectric member 17 and with tines 37 and base 40 being enclosed by insulating walls a,a' of casing 14. This arrangement conduces to induction of the electrostatic charge upon belt 30 and effectively prevents loss of electrostatic energy through the generator base.

Presented immediately above the uppermost portion of belt 30 is a collector brush, indicated generally at 41, which comprises a tubular manifold 42 of annular cross-section, presented axially parallel to pulley 31 for integrally containing a multiplicity of tines 43 depending from its undersurface and being directed toward the confronting portion of belt 30 with the lower end extremity of said tines 43 being in immediate spaced relationship to said belt 30. Manifold 42 is closed at each of its ends by end caps 44 and centrally on its upper portion communicates, as by a T-fitting 45 with the lower end of electrostatic conductor B, which is of tubular character and extends vertically upwardly thereof. All components of collector brush 41 are fabricated of metallic conductive material, such as, preferably, copper, aluminum or the like, and with the inside diameter of manifold 42 being preferably the same as that for conductor B. As will be seen in FIG. 4 collector brush 42 is located in the upper portion of component 36 and with conductor B thus progressing thereabove coaxially through top section 4 for extension through a closure plate 46 disposed upon the upper end of said top section 6. As may best be seen in FIG. 2, portions of conductor B, immediately below and immediately above closure plate 46, are suitably surrounded by dielectric sleeves 47,48 with an insulating cap 49, such as of nylon, disposed upon the upper end of sleeve 48. Thereabove, conductor B extends for a predetermined length commensurate with the particular environmental demands.

Presented enclosingly of conductor B and the adjacent portions of collector brush 41 within top section 6 is a bell-shaped collector 50 having an opening in its top surface, as at 51, for extension therethrough of conductor B and with sleeve 47 abutting such upper surface for maintaining bell collector 50 in suitably downwardly spaced relationship to closure 46. The lower, diametrally increased portion of bell 50 is located within the lowermost portion of top section 6, but

'- throughout its vertical extent said collector 50 is spaced from the inner surface of said top section 6. Collector 50 which is coaxial with conductor B is also made of electrically conductive material, preferably aluminum, and its bottom margin is substantially aligned with the top surface of component 36 for purposes presently appearing, although collector 50 is illustrated as being of generally bell-shape. However, although this particular configuration has been found to be of extreme efficacy it is to be recognized that this invention is not to be restricted to precisely such shape as the general upward tapering character of the collector is the basic critical characteristic.

The inner face of top section 6 is coated, painted or otherwise provided with a layer of insulating material so as to inhibit charging thereof and, similarly, the plastic sheet covering the inner face of central section 4 is likewise provided with a dielectric coating so as to inhibit any inadvertent loss of potential through charging of the walls of housing 1.

From the foregoing it will be seen that collector brush 41, together with bell-shaped collector 50, conjointly constitute a high voltage electrode with the tines 43 of collector brush 41 receiving the charge from belt through electrostatic induction. Thus, the rate of entry of the charge into the so-called field free region,

, that is, at the point through the plane defined by the lower end of collector bell 50, is high and the conse' quent voltage is not effected by fluctuation as would occur where actual transfers are effected at corona points.

It is to be recognized that the interior of housing 1 as well as that of casing 14 is filled with a suitable dielectric gas for enhancing the insulated character of the present invention. It has been found preferable to utilize nitrogen as higher pressures may be obtained thereby, however, utilization of a relatively small percentage of carbon dioxide with nitrogen also functions most satisfactorily; such insulating gas being fed to generator A through inlet or fitting 11.

As above described, it will be appreciated that generator A is quite distinct from the customary Van de Graff type of electrostatic generator. The environment for belt 30 is entirely insulated, that is, the interior walls of housing 1 as well as the base thereof, and the casing 14 so that no inadvertent loss of charge is brought about with the resultant charge being substantially delivered to the said conductor B. It will be further observed that charge transfer is not effected by corona points as with Van de Graff generators, nor is there a transformer rectifier presented at the lower end of the said belt. However, the present invention is adapted for utilization with electrostatic conductor B which is, as indicated above, preferably of copper and of tubular character being thus entirely hollow and devoid of any interiorly contained conductive members. In the present construction the outside diameter of conductor B is the same as that of manifold 42. It is recognized, however, that the dimensions of conductor B may be selected within a substantial range since in actual practice it has been found that a conductor having an inside diameter of three-eights of an inch will conduct an electrostatic charge up to 250,000 volts in a current of 2.5 milliamps. The line loss or resistance is minimal. However, if fabricated of a larger diameter tube, conductor B will create a substantial flow path for the charge without an amperage build up with development ofa most considerable voltage As ofa 541 inch tub ing, conductor B may have an applied voltage of 1,500,000 but with a current of only 0.5 milliamps. However, these values may be obtained by maintaining generator A of relatively compact proportions, such as, with the width of belt 30 being approximately 16 inches and with the .overall height of housing 1 being approximately 7% feet. Motor 27 may be of such horsepower as to effect substantially a velocity of about 1000 to 8,000 rpm. Thus, generator A may be readily moved from location to location as purposes dictate in view of its relatively manageable size but with such compactness causing no diminution in the voltage generated.

Certain novel aspects of generator A conduce to its marked effectiveness and efficiency, among the same being the conductive character of upper pulley 32, the unique construction of collector brush 41, which readily accepts transfer of the charge from belt 30 and constitutes, in effect, an extension of electrostatic conductor B so that the charge may be freely transferred to the conductor B for purposes presently appearing. Additionally, the insulated inner wall portions of housing I prevent a dissipation of generated charges to maximize the induced voltage. Also, collector bell 50 has proved to be of marked effectiveness in conducing to the transfer of the charged particles thereon to conductor B. The configuration of said bell 50 tends to gather, as it were, at its lower end, the charge emitted from belt 30 and to direct same inwardly and upwardly along its contoured wall for directing such charges to conductor B.

It is to be particularly observed that the charge developed results from the speed of travel of belt 30, resulting from the revolutions per minute of insulated pulley 29 as dictated by the operation of prime mover 27, as well as by the pressure within housing 1 and casing 14 as developed by the gas. Thus, the belt speeds will have a predetermined relationship to the gas pressures. Such speeds may vary, as indicated above, from 1,000 to over 8,000 feet per minute, and with the pressure within housing 1 being varied from 25 pounds to over 300 pounds. Thus, the belt speed and tank pressure determine the voltage produced. A particular optimum relationship is a housing pressure of 100 pounds, a belt speed of 2,400 feet per minute, and with the belt 30 being 16 inches wide for frictional development for providing a voltage of 780,000. With the voltage so generated, it has been proved that the discharge was capable of eliminating the particulates and polluting gases in a fire within an iron foundry cupola wherein 12 tons of iron, such as, engine blocks and miscellaneous scrap are melted perhour; the same being, understandably, in addition to thecombustion products of the fuel.

With belts of like width but with the speed of travel approximating 6,000 rpm and a housing pressure of approximately 300 pounds, a potential in the neighborhood of 2,000,000 volts may be produced.

It should be understood that the width of the belt is also a variable in that the wider the belt the greater is the friction produced area so as to cause the development of a proportionately increased charge.

It is to be understood, as indicated in the inset to FIG. 1, that electrostatic conductor B conveys the developed voltage to the environment to be treated. As indicated above, copending patent application Ser. No. 27,327 sets forth the characteristics and unique properties of said conductor B.

It has been established in actual practice that the present invention, as incorporating the variables for producing a voltage of approximately 780,000 as above described, is capable of eliminating sulphur dioxide resulting from the burning of 17 Va tons of coal per day in an industrial establishment. Accordingly, the present invention has been clearly proven in actual usage.

It is believed that the highly interiorly insulated character of housing 1 assures of effective electron development and flow and with the various components, including collector S0, cooperating to direct the resultant charge to conductor B for effective transfer to the zone to be treated. The highly mobile character of generator A renders the same extremely'versatile in usage; being thus adapted for transfer from location to location within a plant, as well as between more distant points for operation.

Having described my invention, what I claim and desire to obtain by Letters Patent is:

1. An electrostatic generator comprising means defining a housing, a lower pulley provided in said housing, an upper pulley vertically aligned with said lower pulley, an endless belt trained about said upper and lower pulleys, a prime mover, means operatively connecting said prime mover with said lower pulley for effecting driving of said belt, a charge collector mounted above said upper pulley, a downwardly opening conductive housing-like member disposed surroundingly of said charge collector and extending upwardly there from, and a tubular electrostatic conductor engaged to said charge collector having its lower portion disposed interiorly of said housing-like member and projecting beyond the upper portion thereof and beyond said housing.

2. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by the said housing having a side wall, a dielectric being provided upon the inner face of said side wall.

3. An electrostatic generator. as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said charge collector comprising a plurality of brush-like tines directed toward the upper end portion of said belt, there being a manifold engaged to said tines and to the lower end of said electrostatic conductor.

4. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said collector and said electrostatic conductor being fabricated of copper.

5. An electrostatic generator comprising means defining a housing, a'lower pulley provided in said housing, an upper pulley vertically aligned with said lower pulley, an endless belt trained about said upper and lower pulleys, a prime mover, means operatively connecting said prime mover with said lower pulley for effecting driving of said belt, a charge collector mounted above said upper pulley, a tubularelectrostatic conductor engaged to said collector and projecting beyond said housing, and a collector bell mounted upon said electrostatic conductor for disposition surroundingly of said collector, and being open at its lower end, said lower end being located upwardly of said upper pulley.

6. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 3 and further characterized by means defining a tubular casing disposed about said pulleys and said belt, said casing being fabricated of dielectric material.

7. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 6 and further characterized by an electrically conductive member being disposed downwardly of said lower pul- 'said wheels for rendering said generator mobile.

9. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said housing-like member tapering upwardly and inwardly from its lower end.

10. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim I and further characterized by said housing-like member being of bell shape.

11. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 3 and further characterized by said manifold being hollow and communicating interiorly with said electrostatic conductor.

12. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 3 and further characterized by the lower ends of said tines extending downwardly of the lower end of said housing-like member.

13. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by means defining a casing disposed about said pulleys and said belt, said casing being fabricated of dielectric material, there being a spacing surrounding said casing between same and said housing.

* i i i i 

1. An electrostatic generator comprising means defining a housing, a lower pulley provided in said housing, an upper pulley vertically aligned with said lower pulley, an endless belt trained about said upper and lower pulleys, a prime mover, means operatively connecting said prime mover with said lower pulley for effecting driving of said belt, a charge collector mounted above said upper pulley, a downwardly opening conductive housinglike member disposed surroundingly of said charge collector and extending upwardly therefrom, and a tubular electrostatic conductor engaged to said charge collector having its lower portion disposed interiorly of said housing-like member and projecting beyond the upper portion thereof and beYond said housing.
 2. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by the said housing having a side wall, a dielectric being provided upon the inner face of said side wall.
 3. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said charge collector comprising a plurality of brush-like tines directed toward the upper end portion of said belt, there being a manifold engaged to said tines and to the lower end of said electrostatic conductor.
 4. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said collector and said electrostatic conductor being fabricated of copper.
 5. An electrostatic generator comprising means defining a housing, a lower pulley provided in said housing, an upper pulley vertically aligned with said lower pulley, an endless belt trained about said upper and lower pulleys, a prime mover, means operatively connecting said prime mover with said lower pulley for effecting driving of said belt, a charge collector mounted above said upper pulley, a tubular electrostatic conductor engaged to said collector and projecting beyond said housing, and a collector bell mounted upon said electrostatic conductor for disposition surroundingly of said collector, and being open at its lower end, said lower end being located upwardly of said upper pulley.
 6. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 3 and further characterized by means defining a tubular casing disposed about said pulleys and said belt, said casing being fabricated of dielectric material.
 7. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 6 and further characterized by an electrically conductive member being disposed downwardly of said lower pulley in confronting relationship to the portion of the belt trained thereabout, and a dielectric base disposed beneath said electrically conductive member in supporting relationship thereto.
 8. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 7 and further characterized by a plurality of wheels disposed outwardly of said housing proximate its lower end, and means fixed to said housing for supporting said wheels for rendering said generator mobile.
 9. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said housing-like member tapering upwardly and inwardly from its lower end.
 10. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said housing-like member being of bell shape.
 11. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 3 and further characterized by said manifold being hollow and communicating interiorly with said electrostatic conductor.
 12. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 3 and further characterized by the lower ends of said tines extending downwardly of the lower end of said housing-like member.
 13. An electrostatic generator as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by means defining a casing disposed about said pulleys and said belt, said casing being fabricated of dielectric material, there being a spacing surrounding said casing between same and said housing. 